Les Combes combines a community shaped by forests and pastures with cultural attractions that also include Remonot. Its elevation ranges from 754 to 1,029 metres. Different options are available when planning your trip: a stroll exploring the cultural heritage, the Grotte-chapelle de Remonot, and cross-country skiing in winter. The key decision is whether you would rather focus your stay on culture and recurring pilgrimage dates or on a seasonal activity.
A stroll exploring the cultural heritage
The “Sur les traces du temps” trail is a stroll through the cultural heritage of Les Combes and Remonot. It features 21 information panels and QR codes, giving the theme a clear presence along the walk. The trail is a practical choice if you want to focus your stay on a themed cultural heritage stroll.
The Grotte-chapelle de Remonot
The Grotte-chapelle de Remonot has been listed as a historic monument of France since 29 December 2009. It is open year-round; however, temporary access conditions may change, so it is helpful to check them briefly before your visit. Three pilgrimages continue to be held at the grotto-chapel: on Whit Monday, 15 August and the third Sunday in September. These recurring dates also place the cultural attractions within the annual calendar.
For cultural planning, the trail and the chapel differ in the form their offerings take: one focuses on a stroll through the cultural heritage of two places, while the other is a named monument also associated with recurring pilgrimages. This lets you choose between a themed stroll and a visit with a clear historical and religious connection.
Dimensions and legend of the Grotte du Trésor
The Grotte du Trésor is notable for the dimensions of its entrance: it is 50 metres high and 76 metres wide. At 26 metres, its width exceeds its height; this comparison conveys its scale more precisely than a general description of its size. The cave is associated with a legend that a dragon guards a treasure inside and emerges only once every hundred years, at midnight on 31 December. The dimensions describe the entrance, while the dragon and treasure belong to the legend. The hundred-year interval and precise time are part of this tradition, not a regular event date for travellers.
Cross-country skiing in winter
Several cross-country ski trails are available from Les Combes, with connections to Gilley and the Val de Vennes route. Cross-country skiing is a seasonal winter activity and may be affected by snow conditions. The season and snow conditions are therefore practical planning factors if this activity is part of your stay.
Choosing when to travel and what to focus on
Different factors can guide your choice of when to travel: for cross-country skiing, the season and snow conditions matter; the Grotte-chapelle de Remonot is open year-round; and the three pilgrimages take place on recurring dates. If you are weighing a winter activity against a trip for a particular pilgrimage date, check the snow conditions or the calendar date in advance. Even though the chapel is open year-round, it is worth briefly checking for any temporary access conditions.
Discover more destinations: Villers-Le-Lac, La Chenalotte, Valoreille, Recologne, Amancey, Verrières-de-Joux, Rochejean, Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne
Go to the regional travel overview: Doubs.
